Tape carrier

ABSTRACT

The core of a tape carrier is constructed separately from the flanges. Each flange is secured to the core by resilient fastening means which extend from the flange into an inner aperture of the core, to secure the flange to the core for rotation therewith. Advantageously the resilient fastening means comprise latches disposed and spaced peripherally of the central aperture of the core, recesses being formed in the core and extending radially of the aperture for engagement by the latches.

United States Patent Kelch et a1.

[451 Sept. 16, 1975 TAPE CARRIER Inventors: Heinz Kelch, Buchenberg; Hilmar Kirchgessner; Eduard Schuh, both of Villingen, all of Germany Kienzle Apparate GmbI-I, Villingen, Germany Filed: Mar. 27, 1974 Appl. No.1 455,283

Assignee:

Foreign Application Priority Data Mar. 29, 1973 Germany 7311896 US. Cl 242/7l.8; 242/118.61 Int. Cl B65h 75/18 Field of Search 242/7l.8, 71.8 A, 74, 74.1,

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 8/1902 Garrison 242/7l.8 X 12/1908 Haste 242/7l.8

2,020,01 1 11/1935 Atwood 242/71.8 2,476,928 7/1949 Thomas 242/71.8 A 2,682,380 6/1954 Caldwell 242/118.61 2,992,789 7/1961 Sardeson... 242/118.61 X 3,700,099 10/1972 Heroux 242/1 18.61 X

FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,374,499 8/1964 France 242/1 18.61

Primary Examiner-Edward J. McCarthy Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Michael S. Striker [5 7 ABSTRACT The core of a tape carrier is constructed separately from the flanges. Each flange is secured to the core by resilient fastening means which extend from the flange into an inner aperture of the core, to secure the flange to the core for rotation therewith. Advantageously the resilient fastening means comprise latches disposed and spaced peripherally of the central aperture of the core, recesses being formed in the core and extending radially of the aperture for engagement by the latches.

18 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures PATENT {iii SEP 1 a ma 1: TAPE CARRIER I BACKGROUND OF THE A INVENTION The invention relates to a tape carrier for example for a magnetic tape, a punched tape, a tape for graphic records thereon, photographic film, an ink tape for a typewriter, and the like. Such tape carriers have a core whereto an innermost coil of the tape 'is attached, and in many cases the core is provided with lateral flanges in order to avoid frictional contact of the tape coil with walls or other portions of the recorder, and thereby to protect the edges of the tape. The flanges also serve to make sure that the tape coil is not shifted from its position between two planes which properly define the sides of the coil, there being various dangers of trouble due to such shifting, incident to manipulation of the tape, or incident to the transport of the tape from the core and back onto the same.

For these several purposes, flanges of tape carriers are useful and desirable. However, such flanges can also be troublesome particularly during the winding up of tapes in the mass fabrication of tape coils. The difficulty will be understood when it is considered that the winding up process is'expedited if the individual tapes are cut from a wider sheet of material, directly before winding the tapes onto the cores. For this latter purpose, it is desirable to arrange the several cores directly next to one another without flanges between them on a common stub shaft; to lead each of the individually cut tapes exactly in the travelling direction of the sheet,onto its individual core; and thereby to avoid any danger of forming of wrinkles in the tape, incident to the process of winding it onto its core. Of course, difficulties of this type can also be avoided by mounting a number of flanged cores, individually, on a corresponding number of stub shafts staggered to one another, However, this latter arrangement is relatively expensive, particularly since it requires tape guiding means, such as idler rolls, for at least some of the tapes.

Additionally, the use of a single tape-winding stub shaft with tape cores contiguously mounted thereon, in contact with one another and without interposed flanges, facilitates the operations needed for fastening the inner ends of the tapes on their respective cores. This applies particularly when relatively small cores are used.

Therefore, it seems desirable to provide a core without flanges in the manufacture of a tape coil, but to provide a core with flanges inthe use of a tape coil. Thus far, these objects have seemed contradictory.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention has the object to avoid the difficulties and contradictions indicated above.

It is a further object of the invention to facilitate mass-fabrication of tape coils; to reduce the expense of such fabrication; and at the same time to provide the full advantages of tape carriers, provided with flanges, in the use of the tape coils.

The invention achievesthc objects by providing a core and its flange or. flanges as individual parts, with resilient fastening means for fastening the flange or flanges to the core.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention each flange has a plurality of fingers or other fastening means extending into a central aperture of the core and providing a latch and detent action with a suitable recess in the core, communicating with the'central aperture. Preferably, the device is also provided with other simple structures for centering the flanges relative to the core, holding the flanges against axial displacement, providing bearing means for the tape carrier, and providing simple means for rotating it.

The invention has the advantage that it is possible thereby to attach the lateral flanges to the tape core only after the winding up of the tape, and to do this most simply by axially shifting the flanges onto the core, without any need for special tools. Thus the invention combines the advantages of flangeless cores, for the winding up procedure, with the advantages of lateral flanges for the manipulation and utilization of the tape carrier. Still further the cost of the tape carrier is reduced, particularly if the core and flanges are made of injection molded synthetic plastic materials; although the number of-parts is increased, their molding is so materially simplified as to make the finished'tape carrier preferable from the standpoint of its own manufacturing cost. This advantage is obtained in addition to the aforementioned benefits of the new tape carrier in the manufacture of the finished tape coil, on the tape carrier.

It should be understood that the separate flanges provided in accordance with the invention can also be combined with a core prior to the winding up of the tape, when for example, a single tape reel shall be made. Even in this case, injection molding of the tape carrier is simplified and improved.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself. however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a central longitudinal section through a device according to the invention, the device being shown in partly exploded condition;

FIG. 2 is a section through the same device, taken along the lines AB in FIG. I;

, DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows a first flange l as already connected with the core 2 of a tape carrier, whereas the other flange l, manufactured in identical form with flange I, still is unconnected. By axially moving either flange, and particularly flange I, in the direction of the arrow, inner parts of the flange are plugged into a central aperture 3 of core 2 to complete a tape carrier, in form of a flanged reel, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 shows the core with the flange means 1 thereon, and also shows an inner end portion of the tape 7, fastened to the core, thereby indicating the form which the new tape carrier has in its normal use. During the manufacture of the new tape carrier, as explained above, it is preferred to attach and wind tape 7 on core 2 prior to attachment of flange means I.

In the illustrated embodiment, core 2 comprises a core body 4 having a relatively small radius and a relatively large peripheral extension, and a core portion 5 oflarger radius and smaller peripheral extension. A clip 6.which embraces-the core body 4, clamps the inner. end of tape 7lto the core 2..This clip 6 also provides, together withcore portion 5. a substantially cylindrical support surface for the tape 7. The core is hollow. The core body 4, having smaller radius, is shown as'having a wall thickness around a central core aperture 3 equal to the. thickness of the walls of the core portion of larger radius. This arrangement facilitates the molding of core 2 and advantageously provides a groove 8 extending outwardly from central aperture 3. It will be understood that the 'core. 2 without the flanges 1,-1' thereon can be rotated.by engaging groove 8 with a suitable key (not shown). Additionally, as will be described hereinafter, this' groove 8 can be .utilized'to insure proper rotation of flanges 1 and 1 together with core 2. I 5

'ln accordance witha preferred feature of the invention, core 2 has recesses 9, l0 and 11. extending ,outwardly from this aperture 3 through-the wall of the core 2. The recesses 9, 10.- l1-are advantageously formed equally spaced about the axisof core 2 and also.sym metrically between the ends of this core. Corresponding to these recesses, eachflangc -l and 1 has a plurality of resilient fastening means extending into aperture 3 fromthe ends of core 2 andillustrated as comprising resilient latches 12, 13, 14 integral with the flange. Ac cordingly, latches 12, -13. 14 are disposed and spaced peripherally of core aperture 2. and are so disposed as to center the flanges 1,1 in core 2.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, additional centering offlanges l, 1 to core 2 is achieved by additional fingers 15., 16 on flange 1' and l6"on flange '1', these additional lingers being segmentshaped and lying on substantially the same circle as latches 12. 13 and 14. I

A third segment 17., 17 of each flange 1, l is also disposed on the same circle, and is provided with ribs 18, 19 which engage in the groove 8 in core'2 resiliently but firmly, and thereby secure the flange 1. 1 against rotation relative'to the core 2. For the axial holding of the flange. latches 12, 13 and 14 have noses 20. on their ends. engaging the adjacent end of the core recesses 9., l0 and 11., and axially securing the flange to the core. ()nce the latches 12, 13., 14 have beenlatched into the corresponding core recesses 9, l0 and 11 by such engagement of noses 20, 20, as shown in FIG. 2 and on the right side of FIG. 1, these latches hold their flange l on core 2 against axial separation of these parts. v

The assembling of the complete tape carrier is facilitated by initially establishing the relative positions of ribs 18, 19 relative to groove 8. As soon as this has been done, the other recess and latch elements 1. 10, 11, 12. l3, l4 are automatically properly registered thereby.

Insertion of the flange structure into the core is facilitated by forming noses 20., 20' as well as the ends of segments 15. 16 and 17 with suitably beveled surfaces, shown at 17 for segments 17 and 17. and at 21" for noses 21 and 20'.

A collar 23. 23 is formed on a central part of each flange 1, 1 opposite latch fingers and guide segments 12 to 17 and 12' to 17. Arms 21, 21 extend inwardly from these collars 23. 23 into the space surrounded by these collars. whereby suitable drive fingers of the tape recorderor other apparatus (not shown) can extend into open spaces 22 between these arms 21. 21 for driving the tape carrier in its normal use.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or twoor more together, may also find a useful application in'other types of constructions differing from the type described above.

5 While the invention has been illustrated and described as, embodied in a tape carrier, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown since various. modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any wayfrom the spirit ofthe presentinlU vention. 4 I

Without further analysis, the foregoingwill so fully reveal the gist of the presentinvention that others can by applying current knowledge readily adapt it for various applications withoutgomitting features that, from 1 the standpoint of. prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or speeificaspects of this invention and, therefore, such adaptations shouldand are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the following claims. v

20 What is claimed asnew'and desired to be protected by' Letters. Patent is .set forth in the appended claims:

,1. Tape carrier, comprising a hollow eorehaving a substantially cylindrical outer surface for winding a tape thereon, and an inner wall portion generally coaxial with said outer surface; at.least one flange member having a section extending radially. outwardly from said outer surface, and zi -mounting portion received :in said hollow core; abutment means on one of said portions; and latching means on the other of said portions and adaptedto engagesaid abutment means with a snapsaction upon insertion -of saidqmountingportion: into said hollow core and operative for connecting said flange member to said hollowcore.

2. Tapecarrier as defined in claim 1, further compris- 35 ing an additional flange member similar to';said flange member: and wherein said mounting-portions of said flange members extend'into 'said hollow core from opposite sides thereof. Y i

3. Tape carrier as defined in claim 2, wherein said 4O latching means of each of said flange members comprises a plurality-of resilient latches integrafwith the respective.flange'member. said latches being spaced peripherally of said mountingportiong and wherein said Q abutment. means includes a plurality of recesses in said inner wall portion spaced peripherally of said hollow core and adapted to be engaged by thc respective 5. Tape carrier as defined in claim 3, wherein each.

ofsaid resilient latches has adetent nose at a free end lrom' to engage one of said recesses.

6. Tape carrier as defined" in claim 5, wherein each of said detent noses has a bevelled surface'to facilitate introducing the latch' in'tt'i'the aperturee.

7. Tape carrier as defined in claim .1+,-also including a collar onsuch flange memben said collar extending from the flange member in an axial. direction opposite to said mounting-portion to provide a bearing for the tape carrier. U I I 8. Tape carrier as definedjinjtrlaim :7.-also including arm on at least one such flange member, said arm being disposed to be'engaged by drive n ieans for driving the tape carrier. r

thereof. said nose extending radially outwardly there- 9. Tape carrier as defined in claim 1, also including means for centering said flange member with respect to said core.

10. Tape carrier as defined in claim 9, wherein said centering means are disposed between said latching means.

11. Tape carrier as defined in claim 1, wherein said core has at least one groove, extending outwardly from and axially along said inner, wall portion of said core; said tape carrier also having rib means extending from said flange member into said groove to secure said flange member to said core for rotation therewith.

l2. Tape carrier as defined in claim 1, wherein said core comprises a first portion having an outer. arcuate, cylindrical surface extending peripherally over a major part of said core; a second portion extending radially outwardly from said cylindrical surface over a relatively small distance; and a clip the thickness of which approximately equals said distance and which extends peripherally over at least a substantial part of said cylindrical surface; said latching means extending from said flange member into portions of said portion pe ripherally corresponding to said arcuate, cylindrical surface.

13. Tape carrier as defined in claim 1, wherein said core consists of synthetic plastic material.

14. Tape carrier as defined in claim 1, wherein said flange means consists of synthetic plastic material.

15. Tape carrier as defined in claim 12, wherein said core has a groove extending outwardly from and axially alongsaid core into said second core portion; said flange member having a pair of ribs extending into said groove and engaging said core laterally of said groove for securing said flange member to said core for rotation therewith.

l6. Tape carrier, comprising a core having a first portion having an outer, arcuate cylindrical surface extending peripherally over a major part of said core, a second portion extending radially outwardly from said cylindrical surface over a relatively small distance, and a clip the thickness of which approximately equals said distance and which extends peripherally over at least a substantial part of said cylindrical surface. said core also having an inner aperture generally coaxial to said cylindrical surface; flange means extending radially outwardly from said cylindrical surface of said core; and resilient fastening means extending from said flange means at least into portions of said aperture which peripherally corresponds to said arcuate, cylindrical surface to secure said flange means to said core for rotation therewith.

17. Tape carrier as defined in claim 16, wherein said core has a groove extending outwardly from and axially along said inner aperture into said second core portion; said flange means having a pair of ribs extending into said groove and engaging said core laterally of said groove for said securing of said flange means to said core for rotation therewith.

18. Tape carrier, comprising a core having a substantially cylindrical outer surface for winding a tape thereon, said core having an inner aperture generally coaxial to said surface; flange means extending radially outwardly from said surface of said core and including a pair of flanges: resilient fastening means extending from the respective flanges into said inner aperture of said core from opposite ends thereof to secure said flanges to said core for rotation therewith. said fastening means including a plurality of resilient latches integral with the respective flanges. said latches being disposed and spaced peripherally of said aperture. and said core having recesses to be engaged by said latches of one of said flanges, said recesses also being disposed to be engaged by said latches of the other flange. 

1. Tape carrier, comprising a hollow core having a substantially cylindrical outer surface for winding a tape thereon, and an inner wall portion generally coaxial with said outer surface; at least one flange member having a section extending radially outwardly from said outer surface, and a mounting portion received in said hollow core; abutment means on one of said portions; and latching means on the other of said portions and adapted to engage said abutment means with a snap action upon insertion of said mounting portion into said hollow core and operative for connecting said flange member to said hollow core.
 2. Tape carrier as defined in claim 1, further comprising an additional flange member similar to said flange member; and wherein said mounting portions of said flange members extend into said hollow core from opposite sides thereof.
 3. Tape carrier as defined in claim 2, wherein said latching means of each of said flange members comprises a plurality of resilient latches integral with the respective flange member, said latches being spaced peripherally of said mounting portion; and wherein said abutment means includes a plurality of recesses in said inner wall portion spaced peripherally of said hollow core and adapted to be engaged by the respective latches.
 4. Tape carrier as defined in claim 3, wherein said recesses of said core to be engaged by said latches of one of said flanges are disposed also to be engaged by said latches of the other flange.
 5. Tape carrier as defined in claim 3, wherein each of said resilient latches has a detent nose at a free end thereof, said nose extending radially outwardly therefrom to engage one of said recesses.
 6. Tape carrier as defined in claim 5, wherein each of said detent noses has a bevelled surface to facilitate introducing the latch into the aperture.
 7. Tape carrier as defined in claim 1, also including a collar on such flange member, said collar extending from the flange member in an axial direction opposite to said mounting portion to provide a bearing for the tape carrier.
 8. Tape carrier as defined in claim 7, also including arm on at least one such flange member, said arm being disposed to be engaged by drive means for driving the tape carrier.
 9. Tape carrier as defined in claim 1, also including means for centering said flange member with respect to said core.
 10. Tape carrier as defined in claim 9, wherein said centering means are disposed between said latching means.
 11. Tape carrier as defined in claim 1, wherein said core has at least one groove, extending outwardly from and axially along said inner, wall portion of said core; said tape carrier also having rib means extending from said flange member into said groove to secure said flange member to said core for rotation therewith.
 12. Tape carrier as defined in claim 1, wherein said core comprises a first portion having an outer, arcuate, cylindrical surface extending peripherally over a major part of said core; a second portion extending radially outwardly from said cylindrical surface over a relatively small distance; and a clip the thickness of which approximately equals said distance and which extends peripherally over at least a substantial part of said cylindrical surface; said latching means extending from said flange member into portions of said portion peripherally corresponding to said arcuatE, cylindrical surface.
 13. Tape carrier as defined in claim 1, wherein said core consists of synthetic plastic material.
 14. Tape carrier as defined in claim 1, wherein said flange means consists of synthetic plastic material.
 15. Tape carrier as defined in claim 12, wherein said core has a groove extending outwardly from and axially along said core into said second core portion; said flange member having a pair of ribs extending into said groove and engaging said core laterally of said groove for securing said flange member to said core for rotation therewith.
 16. Tape carrier, comprising a core having a first portion having an outer, arcuate cylindrical surface extending peripherally over a major part of said core, a second portion extending radially outwardly from said cylindrical surface over a relatively small distance, and a clip the thickness of which approximately equals said distance and which extends peripherally over at least a substantial part of said cylindrical surface, said core also having an inner aperture generally coaxial to said cylindrical surface; flange means extending radially outwardly from said cylindrical surface of said core; and resilient fastening means extending from said flange means at least into portions of said aperture which peripherally corresponds to said arcuate, cylindrical surface to secure said flange means to said core for rotation therewith.
 17. Tape carrier as defined in claim 16, wherein said core has a groove extending outwardly from and axially along said inner aperture into said second core portion; said flange means having a pair of ribs extending into said groove and engaging said core laterally of said groove for said securing of said flange means to said core for rotation therewith.
 18. Tape carrier, comprising a core having a substantially cylindrical outer surface for winding a tape thereon, said core having an inner aperture generally coaxial to said surface; flange means extending radially outwardly from said surface of said core and including a pair of flanges; resilient fastening means extending from the respective flanges into said inner aperture of said core from opposite ends thereof to secure said flanges to said core for rotation therewith, said fastening means including a plurality of resilient latches integral with the respective flanges, said latches being disposed and spaced peripherally of said aperture, and said core having recesses to be engaged by said latches of one of said flanges, said recesses also being disposed to be engaged by said latches of the other flange. 